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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...

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China's Lunar New Year Travel Rush: A Record-Breaking 9 Billion Trips Expected

 

As the Lunar New Year approaches, China's annual travel rush, known as Chunyun, has kicked into high gear. This 40-day period, which began on January 14, 2025, is expected to see a record-breaking   9 billion trips. This massive movement of people is the world's largest annual migration, with most journeys made by car.

The Lunar New Year, marking the start of the Year of the Snake, falls on Wednesday, with New Year's Eve on Tuesday reserved for family gatherings and traditional fireworks displays. The travel rush will peak over the weekend, with 510 million trips by train and 90 million by air.

While the festival has traditionally been a time for families to reunite, rising prosperity has led many to travel overseas, with cross-border trips expected to rise by nearly 10%. Despite the economic challenges, the festive spirit remains strong, with temple markets and other traditional events drawing millions of visitors.

This year's extended public holiday, from January 28 to February 4, aims to boost consumer spending and support the economy. As travelers rush to their hometowns, the excitement and anticipation for the Year of the Snake celebrations are palpable.






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